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Students
Leading in Public Accounting
Danielle Riley
Assurance External Audit Associate, PWC
Class of 2023
BBA/MBA in Public Accounting
Member Of: Robert S. Pace Accounting Society (President), Colleges Against Cancer, Residence Hall Council
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Danielle Riley is a leader in the Lubin School of Business’ Public Accounting program – literally. As the President of the on-campus Robert S. Pace Accounting Society, Danielle is developing leadership, teamwork, and networking skills that will help launch her career. After she graduates with her BBA/MBA in Public Accounting this May, she’ll be joining PwC as an audit associate.
Why did you choose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business?
I chose Pace University because of the distinguished faculty and staff, particularly in the Lubin School of Business. Pace and the professors support students and offer multidisciplinary and career-focused coursework that prepares you for real world experiences. I also chose Pace because of the countless opportunities for students to connect with a strong network of employers who offer internship and full-time job opportunities.
How have clubs on campus helped enrich your student experience?
Although I am a commuter student, I am actively involved on Pace University’s Pleasantville Campus. The extra-curricular activities on campus have enhanced my educational experience. I am the president of the Robert S. Pace Accounting Society, which I decided to join during my freshman year because of the leadership, networking, and engagement opportunities the organization offers to students. The Accounting Society gives students the opportunity to network with various recruiters and potential employers. The connections I have made because of the Accounting Society are extremely valuable and can lead to internships and full-time employment opportunities. Throughout my time at Pace, I have also been involved with Colleges Against Cancer to promote cancer awareness and plan the Relay for Life event each year. These organizations have helped me develop many skills, particularly leadership skills, and make countless connections at Pace.
You currently serve as president of the Accounting Society. What motivated you to go after this leadership position?
I decided to serve as president of the Accounting Society because I wanted to step outside my comfort zone. I wanted to make a difference for other students on campus by being in a position that would allow me to influence, motivate, and guide others towards their goals. I am passionate about helping other students gain insight into their future career in accounting and the opportunity to connect with industry professionals.
How will you use the leadership skills you’re gaining as president of the Accounting Society in your future endeavors?
As the president of the Accounting Society, I have learned valuable leadership skills that I can use both during and after my college years. As an accountant, I will be working closely with colleagues and clients in a team-based environment. It is essential to use the teamwork and leadership skills I have gained to build strong relationships and integrate a diverse range of ideas and knowledge. It is also important to be a leader by acting with integrity and motivating others to build trust in society and solve important problems.
Pace and the professors support students and offer multidisciplinary and career-focused coursework that prepares you for real world experiences. I also chose Pace because of the countless opportunities for students to connect with a strong network of employers who offer internship and full-time job opportunities.
What is the most important lesson you learned in your leadership position at Pace?
One of the most important lessons I have learned is that leadership often requires you to improvise, adapt, and overcome various challenges. Throughout the pandemic, I worked with the other leaders of Accounting Society to successfully find creative ways to develop virtual meetings that still gave students the opportunity to develop their academic and professional careers. It is still a challenge to ensure that students feel engaged in extracurricular activities. Teamwork helped me remain motivated and excited about our organization’s mission of providing networking opportunities for students.
What has been your favorite opportunity at Pace?
The Lubin Pace Path and faculty are focused on ensuring each student has real-world experience before graduating. Last summer, I had the opportunity to participate in the Advance Internship Program at PwC, where I worked as an external audit intern. I participated in trainings that were designed to develop my leadership and technical skills. I enjoyed working directly on a client assignment with a PwC partner and audit team. I was able to build relationships with interns and employees at all different levels. The environment and experience at PwC have helped broaden my personal and technical skills and deepen my knowledge of accounting. This opportunity has led to a full-time position at the firm, upon graduation, as an audit associate. I have grown both academically and personally from this experience. I feel Pace University has helped me achieve my full potential and prepare me for a successful professional career.
Do you have any advice for other Lubin students?
My advice to other Lubin students would to be build your network as early on as possible to start making meaningful career connections. For students, networking is one of the most valuable skills you can develop because you will use it throughout your career. As a student, do not be afraid to ask questions and start conversations with your peers, professors, alumni, and industry professionals.
What does #LubinLife mean to you?
#LubinLife means continuous learning and development. Lubin offers experiences and opportunities that allow students to learn new skills and knowledge on an on-going basis. This allows students to grow both personally and professionally. #LubinLife means embracing lifelong learning, which is essential to be a leader and make an impact.
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